Half of all people in the UK who have bought or sold a home in the past still believe that estate agents represent both the vendor and buyer in a property transaction, it has been revealed.

The surprising claim comes from a poll of some 2,000 adults by research firm YouGov on behalf of a company that helps house hunters find the most appropriate buying agent called First In The Door.

It is a property advisor platform that matches home buyers with the best buying agents which match their search requirements and budget.

The company is keen to point out to the general public that agents only represent the vendor, as have many industry and media figures over the years including Phil Spencer.

YouGov was also asked to quiz people about their home moving experiences and found the top ‘triggers’ that make the property buying and selling process stressful. These were:

• – The process is time consuming.
• – Difficulties dealing with estate agents, surveyors and mortgage advisors.
• – Chain delay frustrations.
• – Negotiating and getting a fair price.
• – Getting a mortgage.
• – The lack of stock.

Claire Whisker, founder of First In The Door with a background in the legal and property sectors, says: “Our mission is to ensure every buyer feels supported and informed, and this research we commissioned by YouGov reinforces this need.

“We’re bridging the gap in the market by providing home buyers with access to knowledgeable and trusted buying agents who can alleviate the stress and challenges often associated with purchasing a home.

For a small fee that tends to range between 1-2% of the purchase price, buying agents provide a range of benefits – they’re not just for the rich and famous anymore.”